Dr. James Conda “Jim” Robinson
- Dr. James Conda Robinson “Jim” went to be with Jesus, who he loved and served for 77 years, on March 11, 2024 at NHC Memory Care, Farragut. Jim was a long time resident of Knoxville, born April 28, 1933. Preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Susan Renee Purnell and his son-in-law,
David Purnell; parents, Conda Mitchell and Ethel Berry Robinson; brothers, Harley and Richard Robinson. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Betty and two sons, Dr. James “Jimmy” Thomas Robinson (Sharon) of San Marcus, California and Charles “Chuck” Mitchell Robinson (Kelly) of Knoxville, Ann Fischer, Florida; sisters, Marie Jackson, Alice Hurst and Irene Roberts; brother, Jerry and several nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Lorran Robinson, James (Megan), Catherine (Morgan), Ben Purnell (Katie), Mary Bean (Justine), Graham Purnell, Andrew, Hannah and Caroline Robinson: great grandchildren, Riley Peterson, Quil, Emry, Oaks Bean, Susanna, Louisa Purnell.
Jim was a devoted Husband, Grandfather, Great grandfather. Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War followed by a career in the Nuclear Industry. He received his B.S.M.S. and PhD from the University of Tennessee in Nuclear Engineering. He was a member of of the Tau Beta Pi honor fraternity and the Society of the Sigma Xi. He was in the first Nuclear Engineering graduating class of four. His professional career started with a teaching position in nuclear engineering at the University of Tennessee. He left as a tenured professor to cofound Technology for Energy, TEC. He ended his professional career with CSI (Emerson Electric). During his career he spent two decades as a consultant with The Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Instrumentation and Controls and Neutron Physics group. He served on the Three Mile Island Unit 11 Industry Advisory Group and authored over 250 technical journal articles. His career excelled in research and the development of new products which led to many patents. Jim is a fellow in the American Nuclear Society and the recipient of numerous university and national awards for his scholarship and was an internationally recognized expert in the application of numerical analysis for engineering design. he was inducted into the Nuclear Engineering Hall Of Fame in 2023. Jim always felt his knowledge and wisdom came from his Creator. He lived a full life with his Lord and felt he was a blessed man. He was a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church for 28 years. Left to cherish his precious memories are his devoted wife and family. He felt he was fortunate to have a wonderful group of friends who made this long journey with him. They not only supported him, but his family. All who knew him loved his selflessness and contagious smile. The gap he left in the hearts of his friends and loved ones will forever be felt. Jim enjoyed playing golf at Green Meadows and bowling with the family but most of all he enjoyed family, friends and church gatherings at his home.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at NHC memory care, Farragut and Hospice for their loving care and Dr. Robert Montgomery and Dr. Monica Craine for their support and the best quality of care possible through this journey with Jim.
Family will receive friends at 4:00 pm March 26, 2024 at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike, with a celebration of Jim’s life to follow at 5:30. Pastor Alan Edick will be officiating, Dr. Ken Piety will speak followed by expressions of love for a father by Jimmy and Chuck Robinson. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church